Levosimendan is a myocardial calcium sensitiser and potassium-ATP channel opener. Levosimendan has been used in critically ill patients in various conditions to support myocardial function as an inotrope, lusitrope and vasodilator. We report the use of levosimendan in a patient with invasive streptococcal septic shock.
De LucaL., ColucciW.S., NieminenM.S., MassieB.M., GheorghiadeM.Evidence-based use of levosimendan in different clinical settings.Eur Heart J2006; 27: 1908–1920.
2.
PettilaVilleLevosimendan in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock in progress (Helsinki University Hospital—Randomized, placebo-controlled one center study).
3.
NotoA., GiacominiM., PalandiA., StabileL., Reali- ForsterC., IapichinoG.Levosimendan in septic cardiac failure.Intensive Care Med2005; 31: 164–165.
4.
MatejovicM., KrouzeckyA., RadejJ., NovakI.Successful reversal of resistent hypodynamic septic shock with levosimendan.Acta Anaesthesiol Scand2005; 49: 127.
5.
PlochlW., RajekA.The use of the novel calcium sensitizer levosimendan in critically ill patients.Anaesth Intensive Care2004; 32: 471–475.
6.
MICROMEDEX® Healthcare Series, Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
7.
RussellJ.A.Management of sepsis.N Engl J Med2006; 355: 1699–1713.
8.
DellingerR.P., CarletJ.M., MasurH., GerlachH., CalandraT., CohenJ.Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock.Intensive Care Med2004; 30: 536–555.
9.
BehrendsM., PetersJ.The calcium sensitizer levosimendan attenuates endotoxin evoked myocardial dysfunction in isolated guinea pig hearts.Intensive Care Med2003; 29: 1802–1807.
